In a development that has reignited political speculation in Rivers State, all 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were conspicuously absent from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s thanksgiving service held to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
The event, hosted at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Garrison, Port Harcourt, was attended by Governor Fubara, his close associates, and select supporters. Despite recent public declarations of peace between Fubara and Wike following a six-month emergency rule brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the absence of the pro-Wike legislators and all 23 local government chairmen has raised fresh concerns about lingering tensions within the state’s political landscape.
An anonymous ally of the governor described the situation as “not funny,” suggesting that the no-show may signal unresolved issues beneath the surface. The source added, “Let’s give all of them, both the Assembly members and the local government chairmen, the benefit of the doubt and wait till October 1st, Nigeria’s Independence anniversary proper, and see what happens.”
Interestingly, Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who leads the pro-Wike faction, held a separate thanksgiving service to mark his 52nd birthday at the Anglican Church in Eliozu, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, coinciding with the governor’s event.
Governor Fubara, who read a Bible passage during the service but did not deliver a speech, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the lawmakers’ absence. The silence has fueled speculation about whether the reconciliation efforts have truly taken root or if deeper divisions remain.
The Rivers State political crisis began in early 2025, culminating in a state of emergency declared by President Tinubu. The feud between Fubara and Wike led to impeachment attempts, defection of lawmakers, and administrative upheaval. Although a peace accord was reached, recent events suggest that unity within the state’s leadership may still be fragile.